LFW: AMANDA WAKELEY AW16

Amanda Wakeley had something sophisticated for every occasion this season at LFW.

Sheer Beauty

There was a luxurious, gourmet edge to Amanda Wakeley this season and, as always, the focus was on things to be worn rather than things to be read as object d’art: no bad thing in a fashion week calendar packed with achingly conceptual clothing that occasionally lacks the sheer beauty that prompts desire. And beauty, in its most fluid, unabashedly feminine mode was what Wakeley served up for AW16.

All Grown Up

That recurring couture flavour came through in full length gowns with wide, plunging necklines (clinched with two belts) or long sleeves and exposed shoulders – cut from sheer, glittering evening fabrics. Elsewhere, snood-like neck and hand warmers came in plush furs whilst silky black ribbon-belts trailed behind models with a degage grace.

Tracksuit Tailored

The real takeaway, however, was a kind of terribly sophisticated sportswear. Wakeley showed athletic clothing in the most sophisticated fabrics available: a washed red warm-up jacket was paired with silky, billowing track pants in a near matching shade or a bomber came in deep, shadowy plum velvet. Throw in a draped flannel suit that felt half dressy and half leisure wear, and you’ve got a collection that pushed Amanda Wakeley into just the right side of contemporary.